Ive been shooting with my Lumix S5 for about two years now and honestly I love the sensor but Im getting real tired of swapping primes constantly. I have a wedding shoot coming up in three weeks here in Seattle and I really dont want to deal with lens changes in the rain. My logic was to just get the 24-70mm f/2.8 but that thing is massive and expensive, plus my back is already killing me from lugging gear around. Then I looked at the Sigma 28-70mm which is way lighter but Im worried I might miss that 24mm end for wide shots in tight venues.
Is there a middle ground here? I have about 1200 bucks to play with. Do I just suck it up and get the heavy glass or is there something else native to L-mount that actually holds up for professional work without the weight? Im kinda stuck between needing that constant aperture and just wanting to be mobile. Has anyone here actually used the 24-105mm for events? I know it is f/4 but is it sharp enough to handle the low light if I just crank the ISO? My head is spinning with all these choices and I need to make a move by this weekend...
Honestly, skip the 24-70mm if you're worried about your back. For weddings, the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. is basically a workhorse.
- It handles the rain fine.
- The range is way more useful than 28-70mm.
- You can definitely push the S5 ISO without stressing. It stays well under your 1200 dollar budget and the stabilization is a total lifesaver for long event days.
^ This. Also, be careful with the weather in Seattle. If you need a backup, maybe grab the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 to keep in your pocket. It's cheap and sharp.
Re: "Honestly, skip the 24-70mm if you're worried about your back."
- I totally get where you are coming from. Over the years, I have lugged massive glass around for long days, and my back definitely pays the price the next morning. I tried the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for a few gigs, and while the images were stunning, it just felt like a brick by hour six. My experience? If you are shooting weddings in Seattle, that extra reach of a 24-105mm is a lifesaver, but you might find f/4 limiting when the reception lights go down. I started carrying a small prime like the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 in my bag just in case. It weighs almost nothing and saves me when things get dim. Honestly, dont overthink the sharpness. Most modern sensors on the S5 handle high ISO so well that f/4 is usually fine if you keep your shutter speed under control. Just make sure you are shooting RAW so you have room to clean up the noise later. If you really want that professional look without the bulk, look into the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary again. It is incredibly compact. Just grab a cheap wider prime if 28mm feels too tight. Keep it simple, dont stress the gear too much, and you will do great.
